Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Inside the cozy teahouse, the girls busied themselves setting up.

With Mei joining in, the already small space felt even more cramped.

At one point, Yoimiya suggested, "Next time, we should really pick a bigger place."

Ayaka paused to consider, then gracefully shook her head.

"This is only temporary, after all," she said calmly.

In future sleepovers, there probably won't be this many people.

At least, that was the plan.

"Mei-nee, come here!"

Soon, all the bedding was laid out, and Yoimiya let out a satisfied sigh, hands on her hips.

She was pleased with the arrangements.

At Mei's request, her bedding had been placed near the window.

Ayaka and Chisato naturally ended up next to each other, while Yoimiya sneakily claimed the middle spot.

"Thank you," Mei said softly, glancing at the others as they finished their tasks.

Compared to the vast, silent void of the Tenshukaku, this room was small and crowded, yet it felt warm.

She didn't dislike this feeling.

"We're all friends, Mei-san," Ayaka said gently, her soft gaze and tone exuding warmth.

It was clear she was enjoying the atmosphere, too.

Though it had been a busy evening, it was fulfilling.

"Yes, I really like it here," Chisato added sincerely.

At the same time, her eyes darted toward Ayaka, her vigilance evident.

It's just sleeping, so why wear such an adorable nightgown?

"Your nightgown is quite lovely too, Chisato," Ayaka said with a knowing smile, clearly catching on.

As the heiress of the Hiiragi family, Chisato was undeniably a beauty in her own right.

If someone's resolve wavered, they might just be bewitched.

"Yoimiya's fault..."

Chisato muttered under her breath, slightly flustered.

At that moment, both Ayaka and Chisato, clad in their nightgowns, let their hair down, which gave them a more relaxed and alluring appearance.

Their loose collars revealed glimpses of soft, fair skin, tempting to the imagination.

Truly fitting for noble ladies, their skin was flawless.

The real question was: who would be lucky enough to enjoy this privilege in the future?

"..."

Mei, meanwhile, silently stepped onto her bedding.

The soft texture beneath her feet felt unfamiliar—light, warm, and novel.

"Three, two, one... lights out!"

The room dimmed as Yoimiya enthusiastically called out:

"The girls-only cuddling event begins now!"

With that, the lively girl wrapped herself in her blanket, rolling back and forth in excitement.

It was her first time sleeping in the same room with so many people, and she was thrilled.

"Yoimiya-san, calm down," Ayaka said gently.

"Okay," Yoimiya replied, quickly settling down.

Before long, the room grew quiet.

Recent events had left everyone too drained for more mischief.

After a moment of silence, Chisato's soft voice broke through:

"I wonder if Renny is asleep yet."

Ayaka smiled faintly at the question.

"He should be asleep by now," she replied.

Leaning slightly toward Chisato, she whispered near her ear:

"After all, he spent so much time with me today... He didn't even want to take a break."

Her gentle voice carried an undeniable hint of smugness.

"!"

Chisato took a sharp breath, pretending not to hear.

That's one more note for the little black book.

"Goodnight, Lady Ayaka," Chisato said curtly.

"You too, Lady Chisato," Ayaka replied sweetly.

The two noble ladies clutched their pillows, their gazes meeting in the dark as they drew silent boundaries.

"Ugh, that annoying Takahashi..."

Yoimiya, meanwhile, had already fallen asleep.

Her relaxed posture, sprawled out in a starfish shape, was a testament to her carefree nature.

Among all the girls, hers was the lightest heart.

---

As time passed, the room gradually became completely still.

At some point, a faint figure sat up quietly.

The moonlight streaming through the window illuminated the long, flowing hair cascading down her shoulders.

It was Mei.

She hadn't fallen asleep at all.

"Mmm... Mei-nee..."

Beside her, Yoimiya murmured softly in her sleep.

"..."

The aloof shrine maiden shook her head slightly.

She wasn't one for ordinary sleep; meditation came more naturally to her.

Bathed in the moonlight, Mei rose gracefully.

She had other matters to attend to.

Stepping out of the small house, she walked purposefully in one direction.

Her senses were sharp—she could feel it clearly.

That way.

That's where he is...

"..."

Under the cover of night, the cold and elegant shrine maiden set off to find him.

Back inside the house, another figure stirred.

The previously sleeping Ayaka opened her eyes, her silver hair shimmering under the soft glow of moonlight.

"..."

She glanced toward the other side of the room, where Chisato lay sleeping.

Ayaka's lips curved faintly.

Quietly slipping out of her bedding, she made her way toward the door.

As the host of the Komore Teahouse...

She happened to have keys to all the rooms.

Master, I suddenly have some questions I'd like to ask. Surely, you won't refuse me, will you?

But as Ayaka left the room, another pair of eyes opened in the darkness.

---

In the dim light, an elegant figure carefully pushed open a door.

Ayaka moved with practiced grace, her gaze falling on the neatly arranged bedding before her.

"Master... it's Ayaka..."

Her voice was soft as she knelt beside the bedding, preparing to slip under the covers.

"What are you doing, Lady Ayaka?"

A sharp voice cut through the quiet.

Startled, Ayaka turned her head to see Chisato standing behind her, her gaze firm.

So it's you, Hiiragi Chisato.

Ayaka's smile didn't falter, though her eyes narrowed slightly.

"And how exactly do you plan to explain yourself?" Chisato demanded, her tone unwavering.

I knew it—wearing such a cute nightgown, your intentions were far from innocent!

But instead of answering, Ayaka's smile grew.

She lifted the corner of the blanket, revealing the empty bedding beneath.

"Too bad," Ayaka said softly.

"We were all too late."

"Ren... has already been taken by someone else."

---

T/N: :O

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— Furina ✨